Athletes with spectacular performances earn all kinds of accolades, from MVP awards to trophies, and so on. Here, at The Wife Hates Sports, GOLD STARS are earned – kind of like a grade school teacher would stamp on a good student’s homework. After another hot weekend in the world of sports, there were just too many great stories and performances not to break out a new batch of stars to honor some of the best…
Gold Stars: December 19, 2010
Orlando Magic
It’s not often that you see a strong contender complete a roster overhaul one-third of the way into the season. But that’s just what the Orlando Magic did, making two major trades – one with the Washington Wizards and another with the Phoenix Suns. Gone: Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat Arriving: Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark These are gold star worthy moves by Orlando. First off, Turkoglu was a fan favorite and did have a major impact on the team before leaving a few seasons ago. Both Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter
floundered in last year’s playoffs, and it was becoming more apparent that if the Magic wanted a chance to compete with the Celtics and Heat, something would have to be done. Orlando can only hope these moves appease big man Dwight Howard, who was growing more frustrated with the team’s defensive performance (or lack thereof).
Tim Tebow
If you hadn’t heard, “The Chosen One” made his debut for the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Overall, Tebow’s performance likely exceeded the expectations of many. While the Broncos lost to the Raiders, here was Tebow’s line by game’s end: 8-16, 138 yards, 1 passing TD, 8 carries, 78 yards, 1 rushing TD. Not bad, rook.
Dan Connolly
Listen, DeSean Jackson’s game-winning punt return was impressive, but New England Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connolly’s kickoff return was among the best ever. It was record setting – and no lineman has ever returned a kick that far. Connolly rumbled 71 yards to set up a Patriots touchdown against the Packers on Sunday night.
Maryland Football
The situation with Ralph Friedgen and Maryland is not a positive one, but if one Big 12 source is accurate – and it’s true that Mike Leach will be the next coach for the Terps – then Maryland deserves props. Sure, Leach is controversial (e.g. the Adam James closet story), and he’s also a little weird with his pirate obsessions. But one thing’s for sure, Leach can sure build a potent offense. If he can score a ton of points in the Big 12, imagine what he can do in a weaker ACC conference. That is, if he does wind up there.
Philadelphia Eagles
In a game that could very well decide the NFC East, the Eagles never gave up. Trailing 31-10 with 7:30 to go, Philadelphia pulled off a miracle comeback, scoring four touchdowns, including the game-winning punt return for a TD by DeSean Jackson as time expired.
The Big Ten Conference
After an overwhelming negative response towards its new logo and division names (Legends and
Leaders), the Big Ten reportedly may consider making a change. One poll had a vote of 90 percent against the new logo and names. It’s hard to imagine 10 percent approval – unless it was Delany himself logging in as hundreds of different fictional people. Either way, the conference shouldn’t consider it… they should just do it – end of story.
UConn Women’s Hoops
Make that 88 straight wins for Connecitcut women’s basketball. That ties the mark previously set by John Wooden and UCLA men’s hoops. Expect Geno Auriemma and his team to break that record – and then some.
Gold Stars: And finally, five stars to…
Penn State Volleyball – for winning its fourth straight championship
Matt Flynn – for filling in admirably for the concussed Aaron Rodgers
Michael Vick – for engineering a huge comeback for the Eagles
Milwaukee Brewers – for making a splash and trading for Zack Greinke
Detroit Lions – for ending their record 26-game road losing streak
REV–
Ha ha, dude, the comments… I don’t get it, bro. But I’ll definitely swing by again and if anything, I can leave stuff into the Chump Chat. I’d love to talk about this, because I just wasn’t crazy about Lewis or Carter at this point… I really want to see Chris Paul make his way to Orlando in the future.
I couldn’t disagree with you more about the Magic, man.
Swing by the Chump, oh wait, first, FIGURE OUT HOW TO LEAVE A COMMENT, THEN… swing by the Chump for some healthy discussion as to why this was a knee-jerk move.
AERO-
Thank you, thank you. I am too re: Tebow. He’s a good kid, and I do want to see him have some success in the NFL to be honest. I was impressed with some of the plays he made… didn’t expect that kind of game, though I’m sure the coaches set up the right game plan for him on that day.
Yeah, sorry about your Bucs… but I’m sure you’re happy with the way the season has gone for them anyway. Young team… they are just going to get better. Happy Holidays, my friend.
JARED–
Well look who decided to show?! Thanks for dropping by. It’s funny, I actually thought about you when I mentioned PSU V’ball… wondered if maybe you would pick up on that when I posted the link to my page.
I agree with you though, this year was the most impressive. The freshmen really stepped it up…. especially against Texas. Deja McClendon absolutely smoked them.
Keep in touch man… and happy holidays.
Well done sir.
I’m glad Tebow did well, now if Denver can only find a defense.
Congrats to the Lions. I know the streak had to end sometime, but why did it have to be against my Bucs.
Well done including Penn State’s Women’s Volleyball team! This year, I think, was the most impressive, because no one thought it would happen. They started the year a little rough.
Dan Connolly is my hero.